Carne Griffiths: Nature's Riches

22 June - 2 August 2020

Now, more than ever, seemed the perfect time to contemplate the importance of the natural world. As this project developed I began to imagine how the world would be if we put as much importance into promoting the natural world as we do with commercial products. This body of work uses imagery and techniques from advertising campaigns to present nature as if it were a piece of jewellery, a perfume or a luxury item. The work is created using inks, teas and alcohols and then embellished with 24 carat gold leaf and Swarovski crystals to reinforce the idea of opulence. These paintings serve as a reminder to listen more and look further at the beauty within nature.

Carne Griffiths

  • Nature's Riches (VR Video)

    Created by Carne on Google's Tilt Brush


  • Nature's Riches

    Original works
  • The Crown (VR Video)

    Created by Carne on Google's Tilt Brush

  • The Present (VR Video)

    Created by Carne on Google's Tilt Brush

  • About Carne Griffiths

    Working primarily with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea,  Griffiths’ fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. Images explore human, geometric and floral forms, in a combination of both literal and abstract translation and in response to images and situations encountered in daily life. Images are recorded in a dreamlike sense onto the page where physical boundaries are unimportant. His work creates a journey of escapism which focuses on scenes of awe and wonder, projecting a sense of abandonment and inviting the viewer to share and explore this inner realm.

    Originally from Liverpool, Griffiths graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone in 1995. After completing a one-year KIAD fellowship and moving to London he served an apprenticeship at the longest-established gold wire embroidery firm in the world. Here he worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for twelve years, eventually becoming the creative director. Carne produced intricate designs for the military and the film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. His designs were used for the uniforms in the films Valkyrie, The Last King of Scotland, and in particular his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera. Carne’s elaborate floral designs for Asprey were included in their first ever catwalk collection and his work was featured on the embroidered cover of the 80th Royal Variety Performance programme in 2008.

    Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK and overseas with wok shown at the London Original Print Fair, the Royal Academy, Stroke Art Fair, Afforadble art fair, the London Art Fair and with solo Exhibitions in Brighton, Hong Kong, Milan and an upcoming show in Hamburg. Carne’s illustration work has seen him collaborate with the British photographer Rankin for a 6 page feature in Hunger magazine as well as featuring  in publications worldwide, notably for several covers of the New York Observer, English Heritage magazine and for Brand projects including work for Microsoft, Derwent, Peroni, Lakes Distiller and Ibis Hotels.